In January 1995, Jacqueline Mitton of the British Royal Society of Astronomy revealed that due to the precession of the equinoxes, the zodiac was not only out of phase, but actually consisted of 13 signs, including Ophiuchus being the thirteenth constellation crossed by the ecliptic. Mitton explained that the Sun enters Ophiuchus on November 30 and rises on December 18. Astrologers have debated how to incorporate Ophiuchus into the zodiac, which is traditionally divided into 12 signs. The ecliptic, which corresponds to the Sun’s annual path through the constellations, has historically crossed Ophiuchusbut ultimately this sign was not included in the astrological zodiac because of the equal division into 12 parts of 30 degrees.
Ophiuchus, also known as Asclepius, the greek god of medicineis depicted with a figure holding a snake and has been present in the celestial map of ancient times. Although astrology and astronomy were differentiated as separate disciplines in the 6th century AD, in the past astronomical observations often served astrological purposes. This historical link is reflected in the fact that the University of Salamanca maintained a chair of “astrology” until the 17th century, before the two disciplines were formally separated.
The Zodiac Sign That Almost No One Knows
Ophiuchus, also known as Serpentarius or snake carrieris a constellation located between Scorpius and Sagittarius, and has been debated as a possible thirteenth sign of the zodiac. Its name, derived from the Greek “Ophioukhos”, refers to its depiction of a man holding a snake.
The idea of including Ophiuchus in the astrological zodiac This idea emerged in 1970 when Steven Schmidt proposed the existence of 14 zodiac signs. Later, in 1995, Walter Berg promoted a 13-sign zodiac based on sidereal astrology, placing Ophiuchus from November 29 to December 17.
Despite its recognition as a constellation since antiquity, Ophiuchus has not been incorporated into the traditional zodiac. The signs of the Western zodiac, which have their origin in Mesopotamiaare based on a 360-degree division of the sky into 12 equal parts of 30 degrees each, starting at the Aries point, which marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere. This astrological system focuses on the positions of the Sun relative to the Earth, not the constellations themselves.
The Ophiuchus controversy intensified in 2011 when Parke Kunkle of Minnesota Planetarium Societymentioned that the Sun passes through 13 constellations during its annual journey, including Ophiuchus. However, this comment was misinterpreted by some media outlets, creating the false impression that a new sign was being added to the zodiac.
THE JAR also weighed in, clarifying that although Ophiuchus is a real constellation, it was not added to the zodiac because the Babylonians, who created the zodiac system 3,000 years ago, chose to omit it in order to maintain the 12-sign system.
In astrological practice, the signs of the zodiac are based on 30 degree cycles rather than the 30 degree cycles. royal constellations. Astrology uses these signs for interpretations and predictions.
Therefore, although Ophiuchus is located on the ecliptic, most astrologers do not accept its inclusion as an astrological sign. According to Cosmic GyalsModern astrology focuses on signs, not constellations, and maintaining 12 signs makes it easier to interpret astrological cycles.
Features
The sign of Ophiuchus, often linked to fire elementactually seems to be associated with water due to its displacement in Scorpio. Its most likely ruler is Neptune, linked to spirituality, illusion and imagination.
Although some suggest that Ophiuchus may inherit the rulers of Scorpio, Mars, and Pluto, this does not fit well with his characteristics. Ophiuchus is described as mutable, adaptive, and evolutionary, with strong idealism and a high moral value. Although he is altruistic and seeks to help others, his idealistic world can lead him to cause harm without intention. Their deep intuition and spiritual sense are comparable to those of Cancer and Pisces.
Dates
If Ophiuchus was included as thirteenth signThe dates of the zodiac would change, shifting the periods of each sign and shortening their duration. However, current astrological tests and established practices continue to use the original 12 signs. The incorporation of Ophiuchus remains a subject of debate without consensus in the astrological and astronomical community.
- Ram: from April 17 to May 14.
- Bull: from May 15 to June 21.
- Gemini: from June 22 to July 19.
- Cancer: from July 20 to August 10.
- Lion: from August 11 to September 16.
- Virgin: from September 17 to October 30.
- Book: from October 31 to November 22.
- Scorpio: from November 23 to 28.
- Ophiuchus: from November 29 to December 16.
- Sagittarius: from December 17 to January 20.
- Capricorn: from January 21 to February 17.
- Aquarium: February 18 to March 11.
- Pisces: from March 12 to April 16.
